PRIZE GARDENING FOR WOMEN 121 



them in sunny windows. As soon as they were ready 

 to transplant, I slipped a trowel under them, it was 

 done easily and without disturbing their growth in 

 the least. I found it the best method I had ever tried 

 for starting tender plants. 



For the Mammoth Whale squash I dug large holes, 

 filled them in with cow manure and after covering 

 with a little earth planted the seed. When the vines 

 had run about ten feet I pinched off the side shoots, 

 blossoms and all but one squash. I pinched the top 

 of the vine and placed it in a dish containing a pint 

 of sweet milk. Each morning or as often as practi- 

 cable I repeated the operation. In this way we have 

 grown squashes that weigh one hundred and fifty 

 pounds. This season the nights were so cold that they 

 did not average half that figure. 



Potatoes were cut in pieces containing one eye, 

 laid on trays and carefully placed in furrows with the 

 eyes uppermost. People said I would not have any 

 potatoes, for I cut the seed in such small pieces. From 

 one-half luishel seed I raised twelve bushels of enor- 

 mous size. These took first premium at the local fair, 

 where there was lively competition. 



I don't know that the garden contest made any 

 difference with me or my labor. I worked just as 

 hard before and I have done the same since. I have 

 always a genuine love for my fruit and flowers, and 

 ask no better bill of fare than a dinner of fresh vege- 

 tables. I like the outdoor life ; the health it gives me, 

 the oxygen I breathe. I have made little study of new 

 fruits or vegetables for the last two years, as so many 

 of my investments have proved worthless. It seems 

 that I already have as fine fruits as are known. Cer- 

 tainly they are greatly admired and eagerly sought for, 

 and I take many premiums at fairs ; sometimes one 

 hundred at a single fair. 



